Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Who gets STDs?

Anyone who is sexually active can get a STD. Men and women of all ages, regions, ethnic backgrounds, and economic levels can get them. One out of four Americans between ages 15 and 55 will catch at least one STD. However, STDs are most common among teens and young adults, with about two-thirds of all STDs occurring in people under age 25. This is because young people are more likely to be more sexually active and take more risks, and the cervix of a teenager is not as mature and therefore more likely to be invaded by the bacteria and viruses that cause STDs.

How are STDs spread?

STDs are spread through contact with infected body fluids, such as blood, vaginal fluids, or semen. They can also be spread through contact with infected skin or mucous membranes, like sores in the mouth. You may be exposed to infected body fluids and skin through vaginal, anal or oral sex. Anal sex is very risky because it usually causes bleeding. Sharing needles or syringes for drug use, ear piercing, tattooing, etc. can also expose you to infected fluids.

Most STDs are only spread through direct sexual contact with an infected person. However, pubic lice and scabies can be spread through close personal contact with an infected person, or with infested clothes, sheets, or towels.

What are the symptoms of a STD?

Many STDs do not cause any symptoms. Symptoms vary for each STD, but they include sores or blisters on or around the genital area or in the mouth, pain or burning during urination, unusual discharge from the vagina, itching, swelling, pain in or around the vagina, pain in the pelvic area or abdomen (sometimes with fever or chills), or bleeding other than your menstrual period. If you have any of these symptoms, you could have a STD. Talk to your health care provider right away and get checked out to be safe.

How can I prevent getting a STD?

The best way to prevent getting a STD is to not have sex. If you do decide to have sex, you should have sex with only one partner who only has sex with you and who has never injected drugs. Remember, the more partners you have, the greater risk of being exposed to a STD. You should ask your partner if he/she has a STD, has been exposed to one, or has physical symptoms that could mean a STD. You should not have sex with anyone that has signs of a STD (sores, rashes, or discharge from the genital area). It is also possible that your partner may have a STD without having any symptoms and could pass it on to you. If you think your partner could have a STD, even if he/she doesn't show symptoms, have him/her get tested before the two of you have sex. You should also get yearly Pap smears and tests for STDs, even if you have no symptoms. Condoms only reduce the risk of STDs - they are not effective in protecting you. For infections spread by body fluids (chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, trichomoniasis) they reduce the risk of spreading infection by only 50-75%. For the infections spread by direct contact (herpes, HPV) they offer only 25-30% protection. You need to make sure that you use a new latex condom correctly every time you have oral, anal, or vaginal sex to break. Most STDs can't be cured. Other ways you can prevent getting a STD include:

  • Don't inject drugs.
  • Avoid alcohol or drugs, since they can make you more likely to take chances with sex.
  • Don't douche, since this can cause germs to travel further up into your vagina.
  • If you decide to have body piercing done, make sure it is at a place that is very careful to use sterile instruments.

What should I do if I think I have a STD?

If you have any symptoms of a STD, any unexplained problems, or you think you may have been exposed to a STD (even if you don't have symptoms), see your health care provider right away and get tested. You can't correctly test and diagnose yourself with a STD. Only your health care provider can do that. Many STDs can be treated. The earlier you get treatment, the better. More serious problems can develop if you wait. Whenever possible, treatment is given in a single dose, but sometimes, you need to take medication over a period of time.

Are STD tests always accurate?

No test for any STD is 100% accurate. Some STDs don't show up right away. It could take an infection anywhere from a couple of days to a few years to show up in testing. But if you think you have a STD, get tested. You may have to go back again to get tested if you test negative.

What about confidentiality?

Anything you tell your health care provider is confidential. By law, your health care provider can't talk about anything you tell him/her, unless he/she seriously believes that you are a danger to yourself or others, or that you aren't able to make decisions on your own. So your parents, teachers, partners, or friends can't find out any information from your health care provider about STDs. But you may find it very helpful to talk to your parents about your health and your worries. This can be a scary time for you and it is always good to have someone to talk to.

What should I do if I have a STD?

You need to tell all sex partner(s) who may have been exposed. Try to get them to get tested. If you feel that you cannot tell your partner(s), talk to your health care provider. He/she will help you to tell your partner(s) or will help you find another way to let your partner(s) know he/she has been exposed. You and your current sexual partner(s) need to get treated at the same time to prevent re-infecting each other. Make sure you follow your health care provider's directions on taking medication and make sure you finish all of the medicine, even if you feel better. Schedule a follow-up exam with your health care provider after you have finished treatment. Don't have sex again until your health care provider says you are cured. If you are concerned or upset about having a STD, think about getting counseling. Your health care provider can help you find a counselor.

If I've had a STD, can I get it again?

Yes! You can get the same STD again if you have sex, especially without a condom. You can also have more than one STD at a time.

What serious problems can STDs cause?

If STDs aren't treated, they can have serious side effects such as:

  • Infertility (being unable to have children)
  • Increased risk for some types of cancer
  • Brain damage
  • Heart disease
  • Birth defects
  • Death

Pregnant women with STDs may have spontaneous abortions or miscarriages or may pass on their STD to their baby. STDs can also cause low birth weight and premature babies. Babies with infected mothers can have problems like pneumonia, eye infections, and permanent brain damage.

*adapted from information obtained from Center for Young Women's Health; Children's Hospital Boston